Find Virginia’s Accredited Sonography Programs in 2023
Diagnostic medical sonographers, also known as ultrasound technicians, capture images of the inside of the body using a device that passes sound waves through muscle and tissue. Physicians use these images to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease and injuries, as well as monitor a woman’s pregnancy.
Pursuing your ultrasound tech degree in Virginia will help prepare you for an entry-level position in this growing field. Below you will find a complete list of the accredited sonography programs in the state. You’ll also learn what Virginia’s certification requirements are, and how much sonographers earn. Request information from schools listed below, ask questions, and be sure they have the programs and certifications to meet your career goals. If a program is not available in your area, you might consider looking at related fields.
How to Become an Ultrasound Tech in Virginia
- Choose the Right Program. Programmatic accreditation is one of the most important factors to consider when searching for a program. If possible, select one that has been accredited by the CAAHEP. This will ensure that the education meets or exceeds industry standards.
- Get Your Degree. You will need a minimum of an Associate of Science Degree in Medical Sonography. Some schools offer Bachelor’s Degrees or Accelerated Certificates for those who meed the educational requirements.
- Obtain Your RDMS Credential. Potential employers will require you to be credentialed by the ARDMS or ARRT. Graduating from a CAAHEP accredited program will meet the testing prerequisites.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
Why Choose a CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?
Choosing which school to attend is a big decision with lasting consequences, and there is much to consider. One of the most important points is the accreditation of the program. In medical imaging, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the one you want to look for. To receive accreditation from CAAHEP, schools have to meet the CAAHEP DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines by passing a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit.
The successful completion of one of these accredited Virginia DMS programs is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) examination.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Virginia in 2023
The following ultrasound technician schools in Virginia have degree or certificate programs that have been accredited by the CAAHEP as of February 2023:
| School | Programs Offered | Prerequisites | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Virginia Community College 6699 Springfield Center Drive Springfield, VA 22150 |
A.A.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography | Certain prerequisite courses must be taken and passed with a grade of “B” or better. | Submit transcripts and apply online. |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College 501 College Drive Charlottesville, VA 22902 |
Associate of Applied Science in DMS | Completion of General Education courses is the main selection criteria. | Applications to the DMS department must be submitted by June 1 of each year. |
| Southside College of Health Sciences 430 Clairmont Ct, Suite 200 Colonial Heights, VA 23834 |
A.A.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography | High school diploma and certain prerequisite courses. | Applications are submitted online and are accepted for both Fall and Spring quarters. |
| Sova School of Health Professions 137 South Main St Danville, VA 24541 |
A.A.S. in ObGyn, Avdominal-Extended, or Vascular Sonography | This is a competitive entry program, and certain college-level courses must be completed prior to admission. | Download the application. |
| Tidewater Community College 1700 College Crescent Virginia Beach, VA 23453 |
Associate of Applied Science in DMS | Certain prerequisite courses must be taken and passed with a grade of “B” or better. | Applications must be submitted by May 15th for Fall admissions. |
| Virginia Commonwealth University
College of Health Professions
PO Box 843057
Richmond, VA 23298
|
Bachelor’s of Science with a Concentration in Diagnostic Medical Sonography | Students must first gain entry into the college and then apply to the 3-year sonography program. | Full program description, requirements, and application can be found here. |
| West Virginia University Hospitals
PO Box 8062
Medical Center Drive
Morgantown, WV 26506
|
18-month Certificate program in ObGyn, Abdominal-Extended, or Adult Cardiac sonography | There are educational and experiential requirements for the program. Review the PDF to learn more. | Application deadline is February 1st of each year. |
| * This information is obtained from a number of sources, is provided without charge, and is believed to be accurate. Please contact us with updates. | |||
Here’s What the Experts Have to Say
Neal Kassell, M.D.
Neal F. Kassell, M.D, Distinguished Professor at the University of Virginia and founder and Chairman of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation, spoke with us in an interview about the foundation and the benefit that patients are seeing from Focused Ultrasound.
Financial Assistance for Sonography Students
Paying for school is one of the most stressful aspects of attending college. However, there is help available. There are a variety of financial aid options for aspiring sonographers, including federal aid, grants, student loans, and scholarships. Below you will find a few of the scholarships available in Virginia for those who qualify:
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility Requirements | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Schools Info | $1,000 twice a year | Aspiring sonographer currently enrolled in/accepted to a CAAHEP accredited DMS program. | Ultrasound Schools Info Attn: Scholarship Committee PO Box 3026 Bellingham, WA 98227 scholarship@ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com |
| Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond | Over 65 scholarships offered | There are a variety of scholarship opportunities available for students living in the Central Virginia region. | Create an account and take an eligibility quiz to help determine which scholarships you are able to apply for. |
| Virginia’s Future Leaders Scholarship | Dollar amount varies | This is a one-time award available to residents of Virginia who are attending a 2 or 4-year college. | Download the PDF to learn more and apply. |
| John Randolph Foundation | The Foundation offers a range of scholarships for residents of Virginia. | Requirements depend on which scholarship you applying for. There is a questionnaire to determine eligibility. | Contact Bonnie Falls, Scholarship Program Officer at (804) 458-2239 or bfalls@johnrandolphfoundation.org. |
More financial aid resources:
- Financial Aid and Scholarships for Sonographers
- Overview of financial aid and government grants and loans
- Financial aid for undocumented students
Ultrasound Technician Certification Requirements in Virginia
A state license is not required to practice sonography in Virginia. However, many employers do require professional certification by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
How to Become Certified in Virginia
The only way to earn certification by the ARDMS is by taking and passing their exam. The most comprehensive way to receive sufficient training and prepare to sit for the exam is to graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Receiving your sonography degree or certificate from one of these accredited programs automatically meets one of the ARDMS’ prerequisites to take the exam.
There are many locations throughout Virginia to take the exam, and you can find them on the website for the administrator of the exam, Pearson Vue. In most cases, your school will help you coordinate the test.
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Earn in Virginia?
Sonography is among the highest paying fields you can enter with just an Associate’s Degree.
- In Virginia, ultrasound technologists earned a mean annual salary of $77,480 in 2021. Conditions in your area may vary.
- 160 new sonography jobs are expected to open each year; a growth rate of 18%
Sonographers who work in outpatient care centers tend to earn the highest salary. Similarly, large metropolitan areas tend to pay more than smaller towns and rural areas. The following table compares salaries in different areas of the state; conditions in your area may vary.
| Metropolitan Area | 2020 Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Lynchburg, VA | $70,710 |
| Richmond, VA | $77,090 |
| Virginia Beach, Norfolk | $74,840 |
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Richmond, VA
Richmond has a lot to offer someone who’s looking to attend a medical imaging program. Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital School of Medical Imaging has certified programs for those interested in pursuing radiology or sonography, and there are several CAAHEP certified programs in the outlying area.
The median salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in Richmond was $77,090 in 2021. Job growth in a variety of allied health occupations is expected to be strong. There are many historical sites to tour in your spare time in Virginia, including the birthplace of George Washington in Mt. Vernon. If history isn’t your thing, gather your friends and visit the world’s only oyster museum on Chincoteague Island. Whatever you pleasure, graduating from an ultrasound technician school in Virginia will give you a great education combined with a positive economic outlook.
Additional Resources
- Learn the importance of choosing an accredited sonography program
- Search tool provided by the CAAHEP
- Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Degree options for sonography students
